Should I Choose Waze, Apple Maps or Google Maps?

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Best Navigation App

Want to uncover the best navigation app?

Depending on how old you are, you might remember a time when you used printed directions, watching the odometer like a hawk to count down the miles until the next exit, and a backup road atlas to help guide you on long drives. Now, computerized navigation is optional on almost every single new cell phone and vehicle. While nearly all NAV applications provide the same general info, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many unique options, how can anyone figure out which is the best? We’ve decided on our top 3 picks are Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. CarPlay® is installed in so many brand-new cars that it may seem like the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in benefits as well.

Google

The most robust navigation application in this comparison is Google Maps since all of the data comes from Google itself.

Advantages

• Available offline – No cellphone service, no problem. Download your map.
• Google Exclusive: Street View – See actual images of your location on the map.
• Updates in an instant – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Not only for cars – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps can handle it.

Apple Maps

Since CarPlay® is available in many brand-new vehicles, Apple Maps could be the most prevalent NAV app on the market. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, you must have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Biggest Benefits

• Pit Stops from Apple – Find fuel stations that are nearby and other attractions.
• NAV options – Apple has map options for public transportation, driving, and even walking.
• Look Around – See both images and a map view of your location. Very useful if you get lost.

Waze

Despite other navigation apps now have some sort of crowd-sourced traffic data, Waze was the first to really use the tech too.

Advantages

• Real-time information – Waze users update info as they are driving, that information is then used to update the route to give the fastest route based on current conditions.
• More than directions – Receive real-time data about construction, incidents, and speed traps.
• Facebook integration – Update your timeline and share your road trip with friends.

The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the best Navigation Application really depends on what you need. If you happen to get lost frequently, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be beneficial. If you use NAV to follow your next cycling road trip, then Google Maps is your best choice. However, if you just want to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest time, then Waze is your choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have standout features and you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.